Hear from people your own age about what they do to have fun and look after themselves, and their friends, online.
Whether you're at school, uni, starting an apprenticeship, working or travelling, technology is key as you move through this stage of your life. There are heaps of fun and interesting things you can do on online or on your mobile; however it is important that you remember a few simple cyber-safety tips.
Remember that there are some risks in the online world too, so try to keep across new cyber-safety information and don’t forget what you post online stays online for a long time - so think before you click!
Quick tips
Tips For Teenagers and Young Adults
- Be careful about talking to people you meet online. Not everyone is who they say they are.
- Don't post, send or share anything you wouldn't want your parents, teachers, future employers or someone who may be making unwanted advances towards you to see.
- Remember what you post online stays online for a long time - so think before you click!
- Keep your private information private - do not give out personal details online like your birthday or address, even on social networking sites like Facebook.
- Your username and password should belong to you, and only you.
- Remember to change your passwords regularly. Passwords should be completely random and unique, but still memorable. Try using numbers and letters.
- Don't leave a computer whilst your account is still logged in - anyone could start using it.
- If you wouldn't say something to someone offline then don't say it online.
- Monitor your online and mobile usage. Not all content you view online is free to browse. If you're with BigPond, look out for green dot content as it doesn't count towards your download limit. Look at your usage meter regularly or think about getting a pre-paid account.
- If you feel like you are being bullied talk to someone you trust - don't deal with it on your own. Your parents, teacher or even the Kids Helpline can help you. You can call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 - it's Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for people aged between five and 25.
For more top tips for this age group see:
Tips to help you shop safely online | Tips to help keep your mobile phone safe | Cyber-safety tips for online games | Common scams to be aware of | Cyber-safety tips for social networking | Cyber-safety tips for cyber-bullying
Advice and Stories
Kid at school gets a pants down - LOL FWD this!!!
If you send on a funny video showing someone being picked on or embarrassed, you become a cyber-bully too. Before you send on any video, link or SMS message, think about how you'd feel if it happened to you. Even if you send it to just one friend you become part of the problem.
Ebony
Ebony is 16 years old. She uses the internet to do homework and for social networking. Here Ebony shares her top tips for staying stay safe online.
Watch Video View transcript (Word 28 KB)
Ryley
Ryley is 14 years old. He uses the internet for Facebook and MSN. Hear Ryley's top tips to stay safe online, his family internet rules and what he would do if he was cyber-bullied.
Watch Video View transcript (Word 29 KB)
Student Ambassador Georgia Webster talks cyber-safety for teenagers and young adults
Georgia is General Manager at SYN, a youth-run media organisation that provides young people aged 12-25 the skills and platforms to be creators of media. Here Georgia provides her thoughts and advice on cyber-safety for teenagers and young adults.
Watch Video View transcript (Word 29 KB)
Simone Gioia - Case Study
Simone Gioia uses the internet every single day either via computer or mobile - for on average eight hours a day five days a week and a few hours on the weekends. When you consider Simone uses it for work, uni and play it's really not that long at all - find out how Simone keeps herself safe online here.
Rosie and Lucy Thomas - Case Study
Sisters Rosie and Lucy Thomas are the co-founders of PROJECTROCKIT a dynamic, youth-led anti-bullying and youth leadership program (working with primary and secondary students) recognising students’ strengths and cultivating personal leadership. Here Rosie and Lucy share their online experiences including their top tips to being safe online.
Links and Resources
ACMA Cybersmart website
Cybersmart is a national cyber-safety education program managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Cybersmart website provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world.Website:
Cyber Safety Help Button
The Australian Government's cybersafety help button provides internet users, particularly children and young people, with easy online access to cybersafety information and assistance available in Australia. Website:
Alannah and Madeline Foundation
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and its eSmart initiative, is designed to assist schools create a generation of young people who are smart, safe and responsible users of digital technology. Find out helpful hints and useful information on their site. Website:
AMTA - Bullying and mobile phones – teen tips
Read the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association tips for teenagers on how to avoid cyber bullying.Website:
AMTA - mind your mobile manners
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) encourages individuals to use their mobile phones in a responsible manner and to be considerate and aware of situations where using their mobile phone might annoy othersWebsite:
AFP ThinkUKnow
ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive presentations to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia using a network of trained volunteers.Created by the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, ThinkUKnow Australia has been developed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Microsoft Australia, and is supported by ninemsn.
Website:
AMTA - Str8tlk
This site help you work out what's what online and how you can keep your mobile use fun, safe and affordable. Website:
ACMA - online social networking
Learn more about the things you can do to protect yourself when using online social networking sitesWebsite:
Bullying No Way! – resource for parents and children
Bullying. No way! is developed and managed by all Australian education authorities for use by Australia's Government, Catholic and Independent school communities.Website:
Threatsaurus - the a-z of computer and data security threats
The Threatsaurus is a fun and simple to understand A-Z of computer and data security threats. It was developed by Sophos, a world leader in IT security and data protection.
Whether you live on Social Media, use a computer for work or study, or just browse the internet, this book is for you. It will tell you the facts about the threats to your computers and to your data in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Website:Smart Online Safe Offline (SOSO)
This site tells you more about what cyber bullying and stranger-danger is, how it occurs and where you can go for helpWebsite:
Telstra Facebook page
Sharing ideas, opinions and information on all things related to a connected life. Become a Telstra fan.Website:
Telstra Foundation's Cyber Safety Grants
Find out about the Telstra Foundation's 'spotlight' on cyber-safety, a $6 million commitment over six years. The goal is to build the resilience of children and young people, helping them to develop the skills needed to enjoy the use of information and communication technologies in safe, supported environments.Website:
Telstra cyber safety blog (by Darren Kane)
Darren is Telstra's Officer of Internet Trust & Safety and the Director of Telstra's Corporate Security & Investigations group. As Darren continues to blog, he will provide cyber safety advice for families and individuals of all ages, covering a range of topics.Website:
Trading Post Trust & Safety Centre
Trading Post has a dedicated Trust and Safety Centre. Here you can learn about the latest scams, what are safe payment methods and tips for staying safe when buying and selling online.Website:
Google Family Safety Centre
Google's Family Safety Centre has been designed to provide all of its users with a safe experience. On this site you’ll find helpful tools, tips and advice as well as information on how to report abuse in Google products.
Facebook resources
Facebook have a number of resources designed to help you enjoy positive social networking:
- Facebook Family Safety Centre – a page of tools and resources for parents, teachers and teens.
- Facebook Safety Page – a page to get updates and give feedback on safety issues.
- Facebook Security Page– a page to receive updates about how to protect your information both on and off Facebook.
ACMA's Cybersmart program
When a group of high-school friends post a rumour about a rival, it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched. Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action follow - will these friends be Tagged forever? A short film developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority's Cybersmart program, Tagged is a drama for Australian teenagers that explores cyberbullying, sexting, digital reputation and personal responsibility.
